Prone pregnancy pillow and methods thereof

ABSTRACT

A prone pillow assembly for elevating the pelvic region of a patient laying the prone position, particularly a pregnant woman laying on her abdomen while receiving a specific healthcare procedure, such as a chiropractic adjustment to reduce vertebral and or lumbopelvic/sacral subluxation. The prone pregnancy pillow comprising an early stage segment and a later stage segment that can be used separately or in conjunction with each other to slightly elevate the pelvis of the patient when lying in the prone position to relieve tension on the utero sacral ligamentous structures. The early stage segment and later stage segment each have abdominal holes through the center of each to operably receive the abdominal area of the patient.

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/736,107 filed Sep. 25, 2018, which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a prone pregnancy pillow adapted for a pregnant woman to lay on her abdomen in a prone position while providing pelvic elevation, in some instances for allowing a pregnant woman to lay on her abdomen in a prone position while providing pelvic elevation while receiving a chiropractic adjustment to reduce vertebral and or lumbopelvic/sacral subluxation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Women undergo a great deal of stress during pregnancy, both mental and physical. This stress can result in physical ailments that require attention from a healthcare professional. It is necessary for the woman's health for her chiropractor or medical professional to be able to evaluate and administer specific care while she rests comfortably in a prone position. Due to pregnancy, it is often difficult for a woman to lie comfortably, and sometimes safely, in a prone position while being evaluated and receiving specific care, chiropractic, medical or otherwise.

Physical stress on a pregnant woman can also be caused by the typical weight gain from the pregnancy. The growing fetus tends to project forwardly within the woman's abdomen causing imbalances from the added weight, for which the pregnant woman's body compensates for by posture adjustment. This posture adjustment adversely affects the distribution of weight throughout her body, particularly in the pelvis, sacrum and/or lower back. Prenatal health care professionals suggest that lying face-down with the hips elevated may help relieve stress and pain on the bodily structures affected.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,382,306 to Lickert, discloses a prenatal mattress for supporting the head, abdomen and other portions of the body of a pregnant user lying frontally downwardly thereupon. U.S. Pat. No. 4,944,059 to Wall, discloses a prenatal body support upon which a pregnant woman may lay, that supports the abdomen. U.S. Pat. No. 5,054,142 to Owens, discloses a contoured body cushion that has a plurality of separate cushion segments for supporting various body parts. U.S. Pat. No. 5,185,897 to Van Laanen, discloses an inflatable maternity mattress. U.S. Pat. No. 5,400,449 to Satto, discloses a prone pregnancy cushion.

While the foregoing disclosures may be suitable for the particular identified purposes, or for general use by a pregnant woman, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of hereafter pregnant woman laying in the prone position for being evaluated and/or receiving specific care.

There is a need to provide an improved device to allow the safe and comfortable evaluation and/or specific care of a pregnant woman.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a pregnancy pillow that comfortably and safely supports a pregnant woman while lying face down on a surface, particularly a chiropractic table or bench, so as to allow the pregnant woman to rest comfortably safely while receiving gentle specific chiropractic adjustments to relieve stress upon her lower back, pelvis and/or sacrum.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a pregnancy pillow that will adjust to accommodate women of different sizes, and women in different stages of their pregnancy, such that the pregnancy pillow is a universal device that a chiropractor or other medical professional can utilize for evaluation and/or specific care.

The prone pregnancy pillow of the present invention is directed at supporting a pregnant woman lying face-down or in the prone position while receiving a healthcare assessment or specific care, the prone pregnancy pillow having an early stage segment in the shape of a rectangular quadrilateral trapezoidal prism having a smaller top plane portion and a larger bottom plane portion, wherein the early stage segment has an aperture for receiving the abdomen of a pregnant women in both the smaller top plane portion and the larger bottom plane portion.

In some aspects, the prone pregnancy pillow also has a later stage segment in the shape of a rectangular bilateral trapezoidal prism having a top plane and a bottom plane, wherein the later stage segment has an aperture for receiving the abdomen of a pregnant women in both the smaller top plane portion and the larger bottom plane portion, and a pelvic section that provides the hips of the patient in an elevated position to remove tension on the ligamentous structures supporting the pregnant uterus in the prone position.

In some aspects, the present invention is directed at a method of using a prone pregnancy pillow by a pregnant woman, the prone pregnancy pillow having an early stage segment and a later stage segment, the early stage segment and later stage segment providing pelvic elevation while the pregnant woman lies in the prone position. In some aspects, the early and later stage segments are placed together or stacked on top of each other to accommodate a woman in her later stage of pregnancy allowing for a de-loading of the ligamentous structures of the uterus, pelvis, sacrum and lumbar region. In some aspects, the later stage segment is placed on top of the early stage segment, such that the later stage segment is located between the early stage segment and the pregnant woman when the pregnant woman is lying in the prone position. In some aspects, the early stage segment is placed on top of the later stage segment, such that the early stage segment is located between the later stage segment and the pregnant woman when the pregnant woman is lying in the prone position.

In some aspects, while the pregnant woman is lying in a prone position on the early stage segment, the later stage segment, or the combination of the early and later stage segments, a specific healthcare treatment can be provided to the pregnant woman. In some aspects, the healthcare treatment includes an examination or assessment of the woman's physical health. In some aspects, the healthcare treatment includes the pregnant woman receiving a chiropractic adjustment. In some aspects, the chiropractic adjustment is to reduce vertebral and or lumbopelvic/sacral subluxation.

The above summary is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the subject matter hereof. The figures and the detailed description that follow more particularly exemplify various embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Subject matter hereof may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments in connection with the accompanying figures.

FIG. 1 is a top plan elevational view of both the early stage segment and the later stage segment of the prone pregnancy pillow according to certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a lateral perspective view of an early stage segment of the prone pregnancy pillow according to certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2B is a lateral perspective view of a later stage segment of the prone pregnancy pillow according to certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2C is a lateral perspective view of both the early stage segment and the later stage segment of the prone pregnancy pillow according to certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a lateral perspective view of both the early stage segment and the later stage segment of the prone pregnancy pillow being layed on by a pregnant woman in the prone position (face down) with hips on the elevated side and in an elevated position according to certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of the later stage segment stacked on top of the early stage segment of the prone pregnancy pillow according to certain embodiments of the present invention.

While various embodiments are amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the claimed inventions to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the subject matter as defined by the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now generally to the figures, the present invention is directed to a prone pillow, which can be used for a pregnant woman. While the following description is with respect to a pregnant woman as the user of the prone pillow, the prone pillow may also be used by other individuals that have abdomens that make lying in the prone position uncomfortable for healthcare evaluations and treatments. The prone pillow may also be used to cradle an infant for healthcare evaluations and treatments.

As shown generally in FIGS. 1-4, the prone pillow assembly 10 of the present invention can comprise two segments, an early stage segment 20 and a later stage segment 40.

The early stage segment 20 has a main body portion 22 operably connected to a top portion 30. As shown in FIG. 2, the main body portion 22 has a bottom surface 24 and a top surface 26. The top portion 30 has a bottom surface 32 and a top surface 34. The top surface 26 of the main body portion 22 may be in direct contact with the bottom surface 32 of the top portion 30 and held together by an adhesive material, such that the main body portion 22 is operably connected to the top portion 30 to provide a distal end 35 having an opposing proximal end 37 and two opposing sides 39. Both the main body portion 22 and the top portion 30 have an aperture 25 generally centrally located between the distal end 35 and proximal end 37 and the two opposing sides 39.

Referring now to the early stage segment 20, the main body portion 22 and the top portion 30 can comprise a foam material. In some aspects, the main body portion 22 comprises a medium density polyurethane foam or a high density polyurethane foam. In some aspects, the polyurethane foam has a foam density between about 1.2 and about 3.0 pounds per cubic foot. In some aspects, the top portion 30 comprises an open cell foam, such as a memory foam or viscoelastic polyurethane foam having a foam density between about 1.5 and about 8 pounds per cubic foot. In some aspects, the foam material of the main body portion 22 and/or the top portion 30 has antimicrobial properties. In some aspects, the foam material of the main body portion 22 is a different foam material than the top portion 30.

As best shown in FIG. 2A, the main body portion 22 has a thickness between the bottom surface 24 and the top surface 26 greater than at least about 2 inches, in some aspects about 2.5 inches, in some aspects greater than about 3 inches, in some aspects greater than about 3.5 inches, and in some aspects greater than about 4 inches. The main body portion 22 has a thickness up to about 12 inches, in some aspects up to about 10 inches, in some aspects up to about 8 inches, and in some aspects up to about 6 inches. The main body portion 22 has a thickness between about 2 inches and about 12 inches, in some aspects between about 2.5 inches and about 10 inches, preferably between about 2.75 inches and about 6 inches. In some aspects, the main body portion 22 at the distal end 35 has a thickness that is about the same thickness as the proximal end 37. In some aspects, the main body portion 22 has a thickness that is about the same thickness throughout the main body portion 22 from the distal end 35 to the proximal end 37.

The top portion 30 has a thickness between the bottom surface 32 and the top surface 34 greater than at least about ¼ inch, in some aspects greater than about ⅜ inch, in some aspects greater than about ½ inch, in some aspects greater than about ¾ inch, and in some aspects greater than about 1 inch. The top portion 30 has a thickness up to about 4 inches, in some aspects up to about 3 inches, in some aspects up to about 2 inches, and in some aspects up to about 1.5 inches. The top portion 30 has a thickness between about ¼ inch and about 4 inches, in some aspects between about ⅜ inches and about 3 inches, preferably between about ½ inch and about 1.5 inches. In some aspects, the top portion 30 at the distal end 35 has a thickness that is about the same thickness as the proximal end 37. In some aspects, the top portion 30 has a thickness that is about the same thickness throughout the top portion 30 from the distal end 35 to the proximal end 37.

In some aspects, the early stage segment 20 has a thickness between the bottom surface 24 and the top surface 34 greater than about 2 inches, in some aspects greater than about 2.25 inches, in some aspects greater than about 2.5 inches, in some aspects greater than about 2.75 inches, in some aspects greater than about 3 inches, in some aspects greater than about 3.25 inches, in some aspects greater than about 3.5 inches, in some aspects greater than about 3.75 inches, and in some aspects greater than about 4 inches. In some aspects, the early stage segment 20 has a thickness between the bottom surface 24 and the top surface 34 up to about 10 inches, in some aspects up to about 8 inches, in some aspects up to about 6.5 inches, in some aspects up to about 6 inches, in some aspects up to about 5.5 inches, and in some aspects up to about 5 inches. In some aspects, the early stage segment 20 has a thickness between the bottom surface 24 and the top surface 34 has a thickness between about 2 inches and about 10 inches, in some aspects between about 2.25 inches and about 8 inches, in some aspects between about 2.5 inches and about 6 inches, preferably between about 2.5 inches and about 5 inches. In some aspects, the early stage segment 20 at the distal end 35 has a thickness between the bottom surface 24 and the top surface 34 that is about the same thickness as the proximal end 37. In some aspects, the early stage segment 20 has a thickness between the bottom surface 24 and the top surface 34 that is about the same thickness throughout entire early stage segment 20.

Both the distal and proximal ends 35, 37 are preferably angled such that the early stage segment 20 has the shape of a rectangular quadrilateral trapezoidal prism. The angled distal and proximal ends 35, 37 can provide support to bodily parts of the pregnant woman, such as the legs and breast areas when in use. In some aspects, the distal end 35 has an angle from about 30 degrees to about 90 degrees, in some aspects from about 35 degrees to about 80 degrees, in some aspects from about 45 degrees to about 70 degrees, and in some preferred aspects from about 55 degrees to about 65 degrees. In some aspects, the proximal end 37 has an angle from about 30 degrees to about 90 degrees, in some aspects from about 35 degrees to about 80 degrees, in some aspects from about 45 degrees to about 70 degrees, and in some preferred aspects from about 55 degrees to about 65 degrees.

Referring now to FIG. 1, the top surface 34 of the top portion 30 has a length between about 15 inches and about 20 inches, in some aspects between about 16 inches and about 19 inches, and in some aspects between about 17 and about 18 inches. The top surface 34 also has a width between about 13 and about 18 inches, in some aspects between about 14 and about 17 inches, and in some aspects between about 15 and about 16 inches. The aperture 25 preferably is configured in a shape to receive an abdomen of a pregnant woman, such as a circle or oval as shown. The aperture 25 in the shape of a circle preferably has a diameter between about 10 inches and about 15 inches. The aperture 25 in shape of an oval preferably has a length between about 13 inches and about 18 inches, preferably between about 14 inches and about 16 inches, and a width between about 7 inches and about 12 inches, preferably between about 9 inches and about 11 inches.

In some aspects, the top surface 34 located between the distal end 35 and the aperture 25 has a distance (shown as X) that is preferably at least 1 inch and in some aspects at least 1.5 inches. In some aspects, the distance (X) between the distal end 35 and the aperture 25 of the top surface 34 is between about 1 inch and about 4 inches, in some aspects between about 1.5 inches and about 3 inches. In some aspects, the top surface 34 located between the proximal end 37 and the aperture 25 has a distance (shown as Y) that is preferably at least 1 inch and in some aspects at least 1.5 inches. In some aspects, the distance (Y) between the proximal end 37 and the aperture 25 is between about 1 inch and about 4 inches, in some aspects between about 1.5 inches and about 3 inches. In some aspects, the top surface 34 located between each of the opposing side ends 39 and the aperture has a distance (shown as Z) that is preferably at least 2 inches and in some aspects at least 3 inches. In some aspects, the distance (Z) between each of the opposing ends 39 and the aperture 25 is between about 2 inches and about 5 inches, and in some aspects between about 3 inches and about 4 inches.

In some aspects, the bottom surface 24 located between the distal end 35 and the aperture 25 has a distance that is greater than the distance of the top surface 34 located between the distal end 35 and the aperture 25. In some aspects, the distance of the bottom surface 24 located between the distal end 35 and the aperture 25 is preferably at least 3 inches and in some aspects at least 4 inches. In some aspects, the distance of the bottom surface 24 between the distal end 35 and the aperture 25 is between about 3 inches and about 7 inches, and in some aspects between about 4 inches and about 6 inches. In some aspects, the bottom surface 24 located between the proximal end 37 and the aperture 25 has a distance that is greater than the distance of the top surface 34 located between the proximal end 37 and the aperture 25. In some aspects, the distance of the bottom surface 24 located between the proximal end 37 and the aperture 25 is preferably has at least 3 inches and in some aspects at least 4 inches. In some aspects, the distance of the bottom surface 24 between the proximal end 37 and the aperture 25 is between about 3 inches and about 7 inches, and in some aspects between about 4 inches and about 6 inches. In some aspects, the bottom surface 24 located between each of the opposing side ends 39 and the aperture has a distance that is preferably has at least 2 inches and in some aspects at least 3 inches. In some aspects, the distance between each of the opposing side ends 39 and the aperture 25 is between about 2 inches and about 5 inches, and in some aspects between about 3 inches and about 4 inches.

Referring now to the later stage segment 40, the main body portion 42 and the top portion 50 can comprise a foam material. In some aspects, the main body portion 42 comprises a medium density polyurethane foam or a high density polyurethane foam. In some aspects, the polyurethane foam has a foam density between about 1.2 and about 3.0 pounds per cubic foot. In some aspects, the top portion 50 comprises an open cell foam, such as a memory foam or viscoelastic polyurethane foam having a foam density between about 1.5 and about 8 pounds per cubic foot. In some aspects, the foam material of the main body portion 42 and/or the top portion 50 has antimicrobial properties. In some aspects, the foam material of the main body portion 42 is a different foam material than the top portion 50.

As best shown in FIG. 2B, the main body portion 42 has a thickness between the bottom surface 44 and the top surface 46 greater than at least about 2 inches, in some aspects greater than about 2.5 inches, in some aspects greater than about 3 inches, in some aspects greater than about 3.5 inches, and in some aspects greater than about 4 inches. The main body portion 42 has a thickness up to about 12 inches, in some aspects up to about 10 inches, in some aspects up to about 8 inches, and in some aspects up to about 6 inches. The main body portion 42 has a thickness between about 2 inches and about 12 inches, in some aspects between about 2.5 inches and about 10 inches, preferably between about 2.75 inches and about 6 inches. In some aspects, the main body portion 42 at the distal end 55 has a thickness that is different than the thickness of the main body portion 42 at the proximal end 57. In some aspects, the main body portion 42 has a thickness at the distal end 55 that is greater than the thickness at the proximal end 57. In some aspects, the difference between the thickness at the distal end 55 and the proximal end 57 is at least ½ inch, in some aspects at least ¾ inch, in some aspects at least 1 inch, in some aspects at least 1.25 inches, in some aspects at least 1.5 inches, in some aspects at least 1.75 inches, and in some aspects at least 2 inches. In some aspects, the difference between the thickness at the distal end 55 and the proximal end 57 is between about ½ inch and about 3 inches, in some aspects between about ¾ inch and about 2 inches, and in some aspects between about ¾ inch and about 1.5 inches.

The top portion 50 has a thickness between the bottom surface 52 and the top surface 54 greater than about ¼ inch, in some aspects greater than about ⅜ inch, in some aspects greater than about ½ inch, in some aspects greater than about ¾ inch, and in some aspects greater than about 1 inch. The top portion 50 has a thickness up to about 4 inches, in some aspects up to about 3 inches, in some aspects up to about 2 inches, and in some aspects up to about 1.5 inches. The top portion 50 has a thickness between about ¼ inch and about 4 inches, in some aspects between about ⅜ inches and about 3 inches, preferably between about ½ inch and about 1.5 inches. In some aspects, the top portion 50 at the distal end 55 has a thickness that is about the same as the proximal end 57. In some aspects, the top portion 50 has a thickness that is about the same throughout the top portion 50 from the distal end 55 to the proximal end 57.

In some aspects, the later stage segment 40 has a thickness between the bottom surface 44 and the top surface 54 greater than about 2 inches, in some aspects greater than about 2.25 inches, in some aspects greater than about 2.5 inches, in some aspects greater than about 2.75 inches, in some aspects greater than about 3 inches, in some aspects greater than about 3.25 inches, in some aspects greater than about 3.5 inches, in some aspects greater than about 3.75 inches, and in some aspects greater than about 4 inches. In some aspects, the later stage segment 40 has a thickness between the bottom surface 44 and the top surface 54 up to about 10 inches, in some aspects up to about 8 inches, in some aspects up to about 6.5 inches, in some aspects up to about 6 inches, in some aspects up to about 5.5 inches, and in some aspects up to about 5 inches. In some aspects, the later stage segment 40 has a thickness between the bottom surface 44 and the top surface 54 between about 2 inches and about 10 inches, in some aspects between about 2.25 inches and about 8 inches, in some aspects between about 2.5 inches and about 6 inches, preferably between about 2.5 inches and about 5 inches. In some aspects, the later stage segment 40 has a thickness at the distal end 55 that is greater than the thickness at the proximal end 57. In some aspects, the difference between the thickness at the distal end 55 and the proximal end 57 is at least ½ inch, in some aspects at least ¾ inch, in some aspects at least 1 inch, in some aspects at least 1.25 inches, in some aspects at least 1.5 inches, in some aspects at least 1.75 inches, and in some aspects at least 2 inches. In some aspects, the difference between the thickness at the distal end 55 and the proximal end 57 is between about ½ inch and about 3 inches, in some aspects between about 3/4 inch and about 2 inches, and in some aspects between about ¾ inch and about 1.5 inches. In some aspects, the thickness difference of the later stage segment 40 between the distal end 55 and the proximal end 57 is such that the top surface 54 has an angle of at least 3 degrees, in some aspects at least 4 degrees, and in some aspects at least 5 degrees, with respect to the bottom surface 44. In some aspects, the thickness difference of the later stage segment 40 between the distal end 55 and the proximal end 57 is such that an angle between a plane of the top surface 54 and a plane of the bottom surface is between about 3 and 10 degrees, in some aspects between about 4 and 8 degrees, and in some aspects between about 6 and about 8 degrees.

Both the distal and proximal ends 55, 57 are preferably angled such that the later stage segment 40 has the shape of a rectangular quadrilateral trapezoidal prism. The angled distal and proximal ends 55, 57 can provide support to bodily parts of the pregnant woman, such as the legs and breast areas when in use. In some aspects, the distal end 55 has an angle from about 30 degrees to about 90 degrees, in some aspects from about 35 degrees to about 80 degrees, in some aspects from about 45 degrees to about 70 degrees, and in some preferred aspects from about 55 degrees to about 65 degrees. In some aspects, the proximal end 57 has an angle from about 30 degrees to about 90 degrees, in some aspects from about 35 degrees to about 80 degrees, in some aspects from about 45 degrees to about 70 degrees, and in some preferred aspects from about 55 degrees to about 65 degrees.

Referring now to FIG. 1, the top surface 54 of the top portion 50 has a length between about 14 inches and about 19 inches, in some aspects between about 15 inches and about 18 inches, and in some aspects between about 16 and about 17 inches. The top surface 54 also has a width between about 13 and about 18 inches, in some aspects between about 14 and about 17 inches, and in some aspects between about 15 and about 16 inches. The aperture 45 preferably is configured in a shape to receive an abdomen of a pregnant woman, such as a circle or oval as shown. The aperture 45 in the shape of a circle preferably has a diameter between about 10 inches and about 15 inches. The aperture 45 in shape of an oval preferably has a length between about 13 inches and about 18 inches, preferably between about 14 inches and about 16 inches, and a width between about 7 inches and about 12 inches, preferably between about 9 inches and about 11 inches.

In some aspects, the top surface 54 located between the distal end 55 and the aperture 45 has a distance (shown as U) is preferably at least 1 inch and in some aspects at least 1.5 inches. In some aspects, the distance (U) between the distal end 55 and the aperture 45 is between about 1 inch and about 4 inches, in some aspects between about 1.5 inches and about 3 inches. In some aspects, the top surface 54 located between the proximal end 57 and the aperture 45 has a distance (shown as V) is preferably at least 1 inch and in some aspects at least 1.5 inches. In some aspects, the distance (V) between the proximal end 57 and the aperture 45 is between about 1 inch and about 4 inches, in some aspects between about 1.5 inches and about 3 inches. In some aspects, the top surface 54 located between each of the opposing side ends 59 and the aperture 45 has a distance (shown as W) that is preferably at least 2 inches and in some aspects at least 3 inches. In some aspects, the distance (W) between each of the opposing side ends 59 and the aperture 45 is between about 2 inches and about 5 inches, in some aspects between about 3 inches and about 4 inches.

In some aspects, the bottom surface 44 located between the distal end 55 and the aperture 45 is preferably at least 3 inches and in some aspects at least 4 inches. In some aspects, the distance of the bottom surface 44 between the distal end 55 and the aperture 45 is between about 3 inches and about 7 inches, in some aspects between about 4 inches and about 6 inches. In some aspects, the bottom surface 44 located between the proximal end 57 and the aperture 45 is preferably at least 3 inches and in some aspects at least 4 inches. In some aspects, the distance of the bottom surface 44 between the proximal end 57 and the aperture 45 is between about 3 inches and about 7 inches, in some aspects between about 4 inches and about 6 inches. In some aspects, the bottom surface 44 located between each of the opposing side ends 59 and the aperture 45 is preferably at least 2 inches and in some aspects 3 inches. In some aspects, the distance between each of the opposing side ends 59 and the aperture 45 is between about 2 inches and about 5 inches, in some aspects between about 3 inches and about 4 inches.

In some aspects, the size of apertures 25, 45 are about the same size when the early stage segment 20 and the later stage segment 40 are operably stacked and used together, such as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. In some aspects, the widths of the early and later stage segments 20, 40 are about the same when used together. In some aspects, the later stage segment 40 has a length that is about the same or less than the length of the early stage segment 20.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a method of using both the early stage segment 20 and later segment 40 is illustrated by a pregnant woman 100 laying in the prone position on the later segment 40 stacked on top of the early stage segment 20, such that the apertures 25, 45 line up to adequately receive and support the abdomen 110 of the pregnant woman 100. As shown in FIG. 3, the elevated side or distal end 55 of the later stage segment 40 is located proximal the hips of the pregnant woman 100, providing the hips in a flexed position that are elevated above the plane of the back, while the head of the shoulders and head of the pregnant woman 100 are located proximal the proximal end 57. In some alternative aspects, it is contemplated that in some assessments and techniques, the elevated side or distal end 55 could be located proximal the head and shoulders while the proximal end 57 could be located proximate the hips.

In the method of use according to certain embodiments, the early stage segment 20, later stage segment 40, or both the early and later stage segments 20, 40 can be used for a patient, shown as a pregnant woman 100, to lay in the prone position on the top surface 30, 50 while the patient lays in the prone position on an examination table, chiropractic table, or any other healthcare bed or surface. When laying on the top surface 30, 50, the abdomen region of the person can operably engage with the aperture 25, 45 with the angled distal 35, 55 ends supporting the leg area while the proximal end 37, 57 supports the chest area. In some alternative aspects, when laying on the top surface 30, 50, the abdomen region of the person can operably engage with the aperture 25, 45 with the angled distal 35, 55 ends supporting the chest area while the proximal end 37, 57 supports the leg area. While laying in the prone position using the early stage segment 20, later stage segment 40, or both the early and later stage segments 20, 40, a healthcare professional can conduct an assessment, evaluation or perform a specific technique on the patient. In some aspects, the pelvic section of the patient is elevated to remove tension on the ligamentous structures supporting the pregnant uterus in the prone position. In some aspects, the patient may receive a chiropractic adjustment. In some aspects, the chiropractic adjustment is to reduce vertebral and or lumbopelvic/sacral subluxation.

In some aspects, the early stage segment 20 may be located on the bottom when stacked with the later stage segment 40, as shown in FIGS. 2-4. Alternatively, the later stage segment 40 may be located on the bottom when stacked with the early stage segment 20. In some further alternative embodiments, a single prone pillow may be used, such that the single prone pillow comprises the sizes and dimensions of the stacked early and stage segments 20, 40 put into a single unit.

While the foregoing description has been described in the context of an abdomen of a pregnant woman, the prone pillow assembly 10 and either of the early or later stage segments 20, 40 can be used for any patient, including patients with larger abdomens or to elevate the hip area of any patient with respect to the chest area, or to elevate the chest area of any patient with respect to the hip area. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that different examination, assessments or techniques may necessitate elevating different areas or regions of the patient.

In some aspects of the present invention, a method of evaluating and/or providing chiropractic care to a patient includes the patient laying in the prone position on top of the early stage segment 20, later stage segment 40, or both the early and later stage segments 20, 40 with the abdomen region of the patient being operably engaged with the with the aperture 25, 45 with the angled distal 35, 55 ends supporting the leg area while the proximal end 37, 57 supports the chest area. In some aspects while laying in this position that includes at least the later stage segment 40, the hips of the patient are provided in a flexed position, such that the hips are elevated respect to the plane of the back of the patient, while the shoulders and head of the patient are located below the hips. While in this position, the chiropractor can provide an evaluation of the patient. While in this position, the chiropractor can also provide an adjustment to the patient. In some aspects, the adjustment provided to the patient while the hips are in the flexed position above the plane of the back and head and shoulders includes the Thompson drop technique, the Webster technique, or a combination of those techniques.

In another embodiment, the early stage segment 20, later stage segment 40, or both together, may be used to hold an infant for examination without rolling off an examination table. In some aspects, the infant would be placed facing upright in the supine position, such that the infant is cradled within the aperture 25, 45. While in the supine position, the infant may be evaluated and/or adjusted. In some aspects, a cranial adjustment may be performed on the infant.

While not shown, the early stage segment 20 and later stage segment 40 may each be contained within separate pillow coverings. Alternatively, both the early and later stage segments 20, 40 may be contained within a pillow covering.

EXAMPLES Example 1—Late-Stage Pregnancy—Webster Technique

A 30 year old pregnant female patient at 29 weeks presented with the fetus positioned in the frank breech position, which was confirmed by diagnostic ultrasound with the patient's prenatal provider. The patient laid in the prone position on the late stage segment stacked on top of the early stage segment placed on a chiropractic table with her abdomen in the apertures and her hips located at the distal end of the early and later stage, such that the patient's hips were in the flexed position and located above the plane of the patient's back and the shoulders and head.

A chiropractic evaluation was performed on the patient while laying with her hips in the flexed position. The evaluation presented the patient with subluxation present in the SI joints and lumbar spine. While remaining in the prone position on the early and later stage segments, the chiropractic Webster technique was performed on the patient, which is a specific chiropractic sacral analysis and diversified adjustment. The goal of the adjustment is to reduce the effects of sacral subluxation/SI joint dysfunction. In doing so, neuro-biomechanical function in the pelvis is facilitated to reduce strain on the pelvic and sacral ligaments during the adjustment. Sacral subluxation is thought to contribute to difficult labor for the mother (i.e., dystocia), caused by inadequate uterine function, pelvic contraction, and baby mal-presentation. Correction of sacral subluxation may have a positive effect on all of these causes of dystocia. After three separate visits over the course of 1 week using the same Webster technique while the patient laid in the prone position using both the early and late stage pillow in combination with the elevated portion under the pelvis, the subluxations in the pelvis, sacrum and lumbar spine were reduced and holding. The patient returned after an appointment with the patient's prenatal birth provider to confirm fetal position, which was back in proper cephalic presentation position.

Example 2—Early-Stage Pregnancy—Thompson Drop Technique

A 35 year old pregnant female at 17 weeks presented with lower back and sacral pain with right sided sciatica symptoms, which is about the time most pregnant females start showing physical signs of pregnancy. The patient laid in the prone position on the early stage segment placed on a chiropractic table with her abdomen in the aperture and her hips located at the distal end of the early stage segment. A chiropractic evaluation was performed on the patient while laying in the prone position on the early stage segment. While remaining in the prone position on the early stage segment, the chiropractic Thompson drop technique was performed to reduce the pelvic and vertebral subluxation. This also added extra reassurance and comfort to the mother that the fetus will have extra cushion during the adjustment process.

Example 3—Breast Cradle for Nursing Mother—Evaluation and Adjustment

A 34 year old female 5 months postpartum 34 presented for chiropractic care. The patient laid in the prone position on the early stage segment turned sideways with her breasts located in the aperture and her abdomen and shoulder areas proximate the opposing side ends, respectively. The patient being able to lay in the prone position allowed a more through evaluation and chiropractic adjustment.

Example 4—Infant Cradle for Evaluation and Adjustment

An 11-day old female infant presented with latching problems and other difficulties in latching. The infant's mother and father wanting the infant evaluated for cranial subluxation, which often causes latching problems and other difficulties with nursing. The infant was placed in the aperture of the early stage segment in the supine position to cradle the infant for an evaluation. The infant was able to be evaluated and cranial adjustment procedures were done while the infant remained in the supine position within the aperture of the early stage segment.

Various embodiments of systems, devices, and methods have been described herein. These embodiments are given only by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed inventions. It should be appreciated, moreover, that the various features of the embodiments that have been described may be combined in various ways to produce numerous additional embodiments. Moreover, while various materials, dimensions, shapes, configurations and locations, etc. have been described for use with disclosed embodiments, others besides those disclosed may be utilized without exceeding the scope of the claimed inventions.

Persons of ordinary skill in the relevant arts will recognize that the subject matter hereof may comprise fewer features than illustrated in any individual embodiment described above. The embodiments described herein are not meant to be an exhaustive presentation of the ways in which the various features of the subject matter hereof may be combined. Accordingly, the embodiments are not mutually exclusive combinations of features; rather, the various embodiments can comprise a combination of different individual features selected from different individual embodiments, as understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, elements described with respect to one embodiment can be implemented in other embodiments even when not described in such embodiments unless otherwise noted.

Although a dependent claim may refer in the claims to a specific combination with one or more other claims, other embodiments can also include a combination of the dependent claim with the subject matter of each other dependent claim or a combination of one or more features with other dependent or independent claims. Such combinations are proposed herein unless it is stated that a specific combination is not intended. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of performing a chiropractic adjustment on a human patient, the method comprising: providing a pillow assembly comprising at least a later stage segment, the later stage segment having an aperture located proximate a main body portion between a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end having a thickness that is greater than a thickness of the proximal end; evaluating the patient while the patient lays in a prone position on the pillow assembly with an abdomen of the patient located proximate the aperture, a head and shoulder region of the patient located proximate the proximal end, and a hip region of the patient located proximate the distal end, such the hip region of the patient is located above the head and shoulder region of the patient; and performing a chiropractic adjustment on the patient while the patient remains in the prone position on the later stage segment with the hip region of the patient located above the head and shoulder region of the patient.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the pillow assembly further comprises an early stage segment having an aperture located proximate a main body portion between a proximal end and a distal end.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the patient is evaluated in the prone position with the abdomen of the patient located proximate the aperture of the early stage segment.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the chiropractic adjustment is performed on the patient while the patient remains in the prone position on the early and later stage segments with the hip region of the patient located above the head and shoulder region of the patient.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the later stage segment is located between the patient and the early stage segment during the steps of evaluating the patient and performing the chiropractic adjustment on the patient.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the chiropractic adjustment is the Webster technique, the Thompson drop technique, or a combination thereof.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the later stage segment has a top portion comprising a foam material that is a different foam material than the main body portion.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein a thickness difference between the distal end and the proximal end of the later stage provides an angle between a top surface plane and a bottom surface plane of the main body that is between about 3 degrees and 10 degrees.
 9. A method of performing a chiropractic adjustment on a pregnant patient, the method comprising: providing a pillow assembly comprising an early stage segment and a later stage segment in a stacked configuration, wherein the early stage segment comprises an aperture located proximate a main body portion between a proximal end and a distal end; wherein the later stage segment comprises an aperture located proximate a main body portion between a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end having a thickness that is greater than the proximal end, and wherein the apertures of the early and later stage segments proximately located each other in the stacked configuration to provide an abdomen receiving region; evaluating the pregnant patient while the patient lays in a prone position on the pillow assembly with an abdomen of the pregnant patient located proximate the abdomen receiving region with a hip region of the patient located proximate the distal end of the later stage segment such that the hip region of the pregnant patient is located above the head and shoulder region of the pregnant patient; and performing a chiropractic adjustment on the pregnant patient while the pregnant patient remains in the prone position on the pillow assembly with the hip region of the pregnant patient located above the head and shoulder region of the pregnant patient.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the chiropractic adjustment is the Webster technique, the Thompson drop technique, or a combination thereof.
 11. The method of claim 9, wherein the later stage segment has a top portion comprising a foam material that is a different foam material than the main body portion of the later stage segment.
 12. The method of claim 9, wherein the early stage segment has a top portion comprising a foam material that is a different foam material than the main body portion of the early stage segment.
 13. The method of claim 9, wherein a thickness difference between the distal end and the proximal end of the later stage provides an angle between a top surface plane and a bottom surface plane of the main body portion that is between about 3 degrees and 10 degrees.
 14. A prone pillow assembly for supporting a patient laying in the prone position, the prone pillow assembly comprising: an early stage segment having a distal end, proximal end and two opposing side ends defining a main body portion, wherein an aperture is located proximate the main body portion between the proximal and distal ends and between the two opposing side ends; and a later stage segment having a distal end, proximal end and two opposing side ends defining a main body portion, wherein an aperture is located proximate the main body portion between the proximal and distal ends and between the two opposing side ends, and wherein the distal end having a thickness that is greater than the proximal end; wherein the early and later stage segments are capable of being provided in a stacked configuration such that the apertures of the early and later stage segments are proximately located each other to provide an abdomen receiving region for the patient laying in the prone position.
 15. The prone pillow assembly of claim 14, wherein the early stage segment has a top portion comprising a foam material that is a different foam material than the main body portion of the early stage segment.
 16. The prone pillow assembly of claim 15, wherein the later stage segment has a top portion comprising a foam material that is a different foam material than the main body portion of the later stage segment.
 17. The prone pillow assembly of claim 14, wherein a thickness difference between the distal end and the proximal end of the later stage provides an angle between a top surface plane and a bottom surface plane of the main body portion that is between about 3 degrees and 10 degrees.
 18. The prone pillow assembly of claim 17, wherein the thickness proximate the distal and proximal ends is between about 2 inches and about 10 inches and the thickness difference between the distal and proximal ends is between about ½ inch and about 3 inches.
 19. The prone pillow assembly of claim 18, wherein the thickness proximate the distal and proximal ends is between about 2.5 inches and about 6 inches and the thickness difference between the distal and proximal ends is between about ¾ inch and about 1.5 inches to provide an angle between a top surface plane and a bottom surface plane of the main body portion that is between about 6 degrees and about 10 degrees.
 20. The prone pillow assembly of claim 19, wherein the distal and proximal ends of the later stage segment are angled relative to a bottom surface of the main body portion such a plane comprising the distal and proximal ends are between about 55 degrees to about 65 degrees relative to the bottom surface of the main body portion. 